Man turns tractor into 'rescue vehicle' in flood-hit Quang Tri

"Wherever the tractor can go and carry people, I will go."

In the midst of the raging water, people saw a tractor slowly passing through the deep flooded area, behind were people drenched, carrying belongings and children. It was an image that moved many people, the image of Mr. Nguyen Phung (Hung Nhon village, Nam Hai Lang commune, Quang Tri ), the farmer who turned the tractor his own "rescue vehicle" in the middle of the flood.

Mr. Nguyen Phung (Hung Nhon village, Nam Hai Lang commune, Quang Tri), a farmer, turned his tractor into a "rescue vehicle" in the middle of the flood. PHOTO: THANH LOC

"From 5am until now, I have carried 8 people. One person gave birth at Hue Central Hospital, one person was sick. People from remote areas... wherever the car could get off, I picked them all up," Mr. Phung said, his voice calm in the pouring rain.

Mr. Phung's tractor was used during the flood. PHOTO: THANH LOC

For him, it was not a big deal. "Wherever the tractor can go, wherever it can carry people, I will go," he said. Such simple words, amidst the storm and flooding, were so heartwarming. He drove his car into the floodwaters, picked up each person, and took them to safety.

Nam Hai Lang commune is covered with water. PHOTO: THANH LOC

The tractor, which was originally a means of earning a living, has now become a special "lifesaver". Mud, cold wind, waist-deep water, all of these cannot stop the farmer. Every time he starts the engine, he is committing himself, carrying with him the kindness and kindness of the people of Quang Tri countryside.

"If it weren't for the tractor, we would have failed."

During the days of heavy rain, Nam Hai Lang commune was almost cut off. The water rose quickly, flooding deep into people's houses. Mr. Nguyen Ba Chanh, Van Quy village, still remembers that morning clearly: "We live in remote areas, the flood was very fierce. The water entered our houses, so we asked the tractor to take us to the highlands to avoid the flood. If it weren't for him, if it weren't for that vehicle, we would have been in trouble."

A girl is carried onto a tractor. PHOTO: THANH LOC

Mr. Phung's tractor has made many trips, carrying the elderly, children, pregnant women, sick people... Many people joked: "That tractor is unexpectedly so useful."

Behind the wheel of Mr. Phung, many people were rescued from the flood. PHOTO: THANH LOC

Mr. Phung did not care about gratitude and did not ask for anything. He said simply: "When the water rises, my car can no longer run, so I can no longer carry people. The more help I can give during floods, the better. I do not have money, but I have strength, so being able to help people is precious."